138 Fire on Santa Fe National Forest May be Candidate for Management

SANTA FE, NM – Sept. 14, 2016 – For Immediate Release. Fire managers on the Santa Fe National Forest are monitoring, with point protection, the lightning-caused 138 Fire on the Jemez Ranger District as Forest officials consider managing it to achieve multiple objectives on the landscape.

The 29-acre 138 Fire is located in Bear Springs Canyon, south of Forest Road 266, and is burning in ponderosa pine and dead and down timber. Current fire behavior and expected weather conditions look favorable for fire management resources on scene to assist the fire’s progression in a manner that benefits the land. Fire managers are preparing an area surrounding the present location of the fire to include a possible addition of close to 316-acres. The strategy is to monitor the fire while protecting other jurisdiction boundaries and make a decision later this week based on fire behavior whether to achieve multiple objectives.

This type of wildfire management is an effective tool for restoring fire-adapted ecosystems by reducing forest fuels, recycling nutrients and improving forest health, and increasing habitat diversity. As with all wildfire management, the 138 wildfire is being considered and managed with firefighter and public safety as the first priority. Other priorities include preserving the multiple archaeological and cultural sites in the area.

Smoke from the 138 Fire is currently visible from Cochiti Pueblo, Santa Fe, the I-25 corridor, and surrounding communities. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health’s website at https://nmtracking.org/fire.